I am a logical person, but this is not why I identify with Vulcans. Vulcans are thoroughly misunderstood, in every instance. Their lack of emotion is interpreted through an obscure emotional prism. Often people (incorrectly) assume that Vulcans simply don't care. They care. They just remain clear-headed regardless. I am not emotional to a great degree. And this often leads to people misunderstanding me. I care, but I simply prefer to remain detached.

I don't know that there's a single species with whom I most identify. Like yourself, I'm an extremely logical and analytical person, so I can empathize with Vulcans; however, I also feel a strong sense of pride in my career and believe strongly in the idea of service to a cause greater than oneself, which any Romulan character would appreciate.

At times I can be Vulcan like in my ability to put aside my emotions. I can also have the single-minded drive of a Jem'Hadar. I also have money-saving techniques which could make me the envy of any Ferengi.

I tend to get really emotionally involved in politics. I'm not spiritual like they are, but I can absolutely identify with feeling powerless against governments controlling my fate for their own interests.

I don't know that there's a single species with whom I most identify. Like yourself, I'm an extremely logical and analytical person, so I can empathize with Vulcans; however, I also feel a strong sense of pride in my career and believe strongly in the idea of service to a cause greater than oneself, which any Romulan character would appreciate.

They're portrayed that way, but most of Star Trek is written from the perspective of humanity. As a civilization, we tend to distrust individuals and governments that relentlessly pry into our private lives. There's no telling how a Romulan would view such behavior, however. It's entirely possible that they see the Big Brother element of the Tal Shiar as merely another means of providing security (although I doubt it). In any case, I never viewed the Romulan Commanders of The Original Series in a negative light, nor did I have a problem with Admiral Jarok, who risked his life to ensure a better future for his people.

They're portrayed that way, but most of Star Trek is written from the perspective of humanity. As a civilization, we tend to distrust individuals and governments that relentlessly pry into our private lives. There's no telling how a Romulan would view such behavior, however. It's entirely possible that they see the Big Brother element of the Tal Shiar as merely another means of providing security (although I doubt it). In any case, I never viewed the Romulan Commanders of The Original Series in a negative light, nor did I have a problem with Admiral Jarok, who risked his life to ensure a better future for his people.

. . . As a civilization, we tend to distrust individuals and governments that relentlessly pry into our private lives. There's no telling how a Romulan would view such behavior, however. It's entirely possible that they see the Big Brother element of the Tal Shiar as merely another means of providing security (although I doubt it). In any case, I never viewed the Romulan Commanders of The Original Series in a negative light, nor did I have a problem with Admiral Jarok, who risked his life to ensure a better future for his people.

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They are still mostly scum with an openly imperialist government.

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Remember that the TOS Romulans (who were introduced before the Klingons) were conceived as the good bad guys. Although warlike and ruthless, they had admirable traits like bravery, integrity, stoicism, and devotion to duty.

With the debut of ST:TNG and the Federation-Klingon alliance, the Romulans became the bad bad guys. Even the constant-surveillance stuff was taken from the Klingon Commander Kor's lines in "Errand of Mercy."

Remember that the TOS Romulans (who were introduced before the Klingons) were conceived as the good bad guys. Although warlike and ruthless, they had admirable traits like bravery, integrity, stoicism, and devotion to duty.

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This is how I see the Romulans. The elements of secrecy were present in their society when they were first introduced, but they exhibted the qualities you've mentioned, too.

scotpens said:

With the debut of ST:TNG and the Federation-Klingon alliance, the Romulans became the bad bad guys. Even the constant-surveillance stuff was taken from the Klingon Commander Kor's lines in "Errand of Mercy."

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As Star Trek is written from a human perspecitve, it's not surprising that the Romulans would be portrayed differently once the Federation and the Klingons became allies, especially when one considers the history between the Klingon and Romulan Empires. But even the TNG Romulans featured noble characters like Jarok, N'Vek ("Face of the Enemy"), or the members of Spock's underground movement. Senator Cretak was an honorable woman, too, IMO.